From: mk_thisisit
The enduring human dream of flight, characterized by floating freely and experiencing speed and freedom, has always fascinated people [00:00:07]. This aspiration drives companies like Jetson, which aims to become the “Tesla of flying cars” [00:00:34]. Their mission is to transfer movement from the ground to the air [00:00:40].
The Visionary Behind Jetson
Tomek, the creator of the world’s first fast flying personal vehicle, describes himself as a designer, visionary, futurist, and entrepreneur [00:01:57]. He is driven by a passion for creating things that bring joy, are fast, and fly, particularly ambitious projects [00:01:48]. Tomek considers his work a pleasure rather than a job, often working from sunrise, fueled by a desire to “do cool things” [00:02:33].
The Jetson product has gained significant recognition, even being recognized by an official at passport control in California [00:03:13]. When traveling, the vehicle consistently attracts attention, with many people already knowing about it [00:03:40].
Genesis of a Flying Vehicle
Early Concepts and Inspirations
The idea for Jetson wasn’t a single “aha” moment but rather a culmination of years of working with flying devices like drones and remote-controlled helicopters [00:04:00]. As cameras and cargo demands grew, it became clear that personal flight was a natural progression [00:04:17]. Tomek had sketched ideas for personal electric helicopters made of carbon fiber since his architecture studies [00:04:32]. Films depicting groups of kids building things together also served as an inspiration [00:04:52].
First Prototypes and Flights
The first prototype was created in Italy in 2017 [00:05:13]. It was built rapidly within two weeks from a notebook sketch, using simple aluminum profiles and tools [00:05:46]. Initial unmanned flights with ballast led to the crucial moment of the first manned flight [00:06:20]. Tomek himself was the pilot for this maiden flight in Pontedera, Italy, describing it as an “amazing experience” [00:06:34].
Challenges and Overcoming Hurdles
Overcoming Obstacles
The journey of building Jetson wasn’t without its challenges. Tomek states that the most difficult issues were “typical startup problems” and “ego problems” [00:07:11]. For months, he lived in the factory building, which was initially neglected and lacked air conditioning, highlighting the dedication required [00:07:45].
Manufacturing with Modern Tools
The Jetson team leverages technology like 3D printers for production parts, overcoming initial reluctance some might have about using them for such critical components [00:08:31]. This approach allows for rapid iteration, enabling daily changes to parts and quick testing of new designs [00:08:44]. This contrasts with the traditional setting of an old silk factory where the production takes place [00:08:51].
Strategic Locations for Development
The initial location in Tuscany, Italy, was chosen for its available space and good weather, allowing for year-round testing [00:13:03]. This facility serves as Jetson’s base for Europe [00:13:24].
Given that 70% of Jetson’s clients are in the United States, the company is actively seeking a suitable location there, particularly in the Mojave Desert [00:13:29]. The desert’s low humidity and stable weather make it an ideal environment for testing and fostering aviation innovation year-round, echoing its historical role as a cradle of aviation in the United States [00:14:35].
Jetson One: Design, Features, and User Experience
The latest version of Jetson features new, more powerful engines and lighter, more durable, and optimized carbon fiber arms [00:15:37]. These arms, produced by a company that makes elements for supercars, utilize carbon fiber’s ability to be optimized for specific directions, leading to very light yet durable components [00:15:45].
Controls and Safety
The Jetson is designed for simplicity, making it accessible even to those accustomed to driving a car [00:10:05]. Control is managed via a single four-axis joystick:
- Altitude control: Pushing up for higher flight, pulling down to lower [00:16:16].
- Directional control: Tilting forward for forward flight, backward for reverse [00:16:27].
- Take-off: A slight upward push initiates automatic take-off [00:16:34].
- Hover: Releasing the joystick causes the Jetson to hang in place [00:10:31].
A red button activates an automatic landing system, using a radar to detect the ceiling and land the vehicle without pilot input [00:16:44]. Manual landing is also an option [00:16:59]. The design philosophy is to simplify complex tasks for the pilot, making flight training less extensive than for traditional aircraft [00:17:03].
A simulator, with software developed in Gdynia, Poland, is used for training, emphasizing “muscle memory” despite the vehicle’s simple controls [00:09:39].
Performance and Weather Resistance
The Jetson One’s maximum speed is 102 km/h [00:18:33]. However, for safety at lower altitudes, the speed is limited to 60 km/h, only allowing full speed when higher up where a parachute can be deployed [00:18:41].
The vehicle is designed to be weather-resistant, capable of standing outside and even flying in light rain, a challenging feat due to its delicate components [00:19:08].
Safety Features
The on-screen display provides critical information such as battery level, speed, and altitude [00:59:59]. The system also notifies the pilot of critical issues, such as overheating engines or batteries, advising less aggressive flight or landing [00:20:13]. If the Jetson completely overheats, it initiates an automatic, uncancelable landing with a countdown, though the pilot can still control the tilt to choose a landing spot [00:20:29]. A ballistic parachute can also be launched via a handle [00:19:50].
Market Position and Regulatory Landscape
From its conceptualization in 2017/2018, Jetson’s development in just a few years is considered rapid for the aviation sector, which typically implements changes over many years [00:20:51]. The founder emphasizes approaching development with a fresh perspective, not merely copying existing standards but experimenting and not fearing failure [00:21:41].
Initially, there were dozens of companies in the Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (EVTOL) space, growing to about 250 [00:22:26]. However, this number is “dramatically decreasing,” as many projects remain visualizations or prototypes and do not reach the sales phase [00:22:49]. Jetson is one of only two companies currently selling such products on the market [00:23:09].
Jetson has already received certification as an ultralight flying vehicle in Italy [00:23:32]. By the end of the year, Jetson expects to have its own unique classification and category, which will open doors for sales and operation across all European Union countries [00:23:42]. Deliveries to customers are set to begin at the end of the current year [00:24:02].
Future of Urban Air Mobility and Beyond
Expanding the Jetson Line
The immediate future for Jetson involves expanding its product line. This includes plans for:
- A two-person Jetson [00:24:52].
- A two-person Jetson with an exclusive, closed cockpit for commuting [00:24:56].
- Future models like Jetson One Plus, Jetson 2, and Jetson 3, each adding new capabilities [00:25:01].
The overarching mission remains consistent: to transfer movement from the ground to the air [00:26:36].
Beyond Flying Cars: Space Exploration
Looking beyond personal flying vehicles, Tomek has ambitions in the space industry, expressing a desire to build rockets and lead a company that excels in that field [00:27:15]. He compares this ambitious goal to the initial perception of creating a flying vehicle seven years prior [00:27:31]. This passion for space exploration drives him to consistently seek out the moon and reinforce his aspiration to either travel there or build a vehicle capable of approaching it [00:27:48].
The Role of the United States in Aviation Innovation
The natural direction for Jetson’s development and expansion is the United States [00:28:12]. This is attributed to a different mindset where people are more willing to take risks and are not afraid of moving to new places for opportunities [00:28:22]. The US is seen as the ideal place for Jetson and other companies to develop and grow [00:28:31].